Methods and systems for improving wireless signal

ABSTRACT

An example method can comprise receiving a plurality of signal characteristic measurements from each of a plurality of sensors disposed at geographically distinct premises or geographically distinct locations throughout a premises. A prioritized sensor (e.g., prioritized relative to other sensors) can be determined from among the plurality of sensors, and the signal characteristic measurement from the prioritized sensor can be compared to a set of predefined signal characteristics. A network device can adjust one or more transmission characteristics based on the received signal characteristic measurements.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 14/816,874, filed Aug. 3, 2015, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Wireless local area network coverage within a home, multi-dwelling unit,or enterprise can be inconsistent. In particular, a wireless signal froma transmitter can vary throughout the coverage area, causing dataretransmission leading to bandwidth consumption and/or poor signalstrength. Typically, interference in congested signal areas can degradea base level signal-to-noise ratio required for error free transmissionand reception of the wireless signal. Conventional solutions to thisinclude increasing transmission power. However, increasing transmissionpower leads to increased congestion in high traffic areas, and does notaddress the underlying root cause of poor signal reception. These andother shortcomings are addressed.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive. In some aspects, methods and systems foradaptive control (e.g., adaptive power control) of a wireless signal aredescribed. Sensors can be dispersed geographically throughout a dwellingor premises and can be used to measure data such as signalcharacteristics (e.g., a received signal strength indication (RSSI), asignal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a bit error rate, a frame error rate, etc.)at the various sensor positions and report the measurements to awireless communication device. The wireless communication device can usethe measurements received from the sensors to determine adjustments totransmission characteristics (e.g., a signal strength, a transmissionchannel, a signal amplitude and/or a phase, etc.) such that performanceat each sensor meets established criteria (e.g., individually orrelative to one or more others of the sensors). Additionally or in thealternative, a particular one of the sensors can be selected based on,for example, a user selection, a schedule, or the like, and measurementsfrom the selected sensor can be used to adjust transmissioncharacteristics (e.g., a signal strength, a transmission channel, asignal amplitude and/or a phase, etc.) such that performance at theselected sensor meets established criteria.

In an aspect, an example method can comprise receiving, at a networkdevice, a plurality of signal characteristic measurements from each of aplurality of sensors disposed at geographically distinct locationsthroughout a premises or among more than one premises. Each of theplurality of sensors can measure one or more signal characteristics. Aprioritized sensor can be determined from among the plurality ofsensors, and the one or more signal characteristic measurements from theprioritized sensor can be compared to a set of predefined signalcharacteristics. In an aspect, priority of all sensors can be determinedrelative to one another. For example, characteristic measurements can becompared to verify that signal strength at the prioritized sensor meetsparticular criteria, and helps to ensure a strong, consistent signal atleast at the prioritized sensor. The network device can adjust one ormore transmission characteristics based on a difference between thereceived one or more signal characteristic measurements from theprioritized sensor and the set of predefined signal characteristics.

In another aspect, an example method can comprise receiving measurementsfrom each of a plurality of sensors at a network device. The pluralityof sensors can be disposed at geographically distinct locationsthroughout a premises or among a plurality of premises, and each of theplurality of sensors can measure signal characteristics. Firstpredefined signal characteristics and second predefined signalcharacteristics can be determined. For example, a first set ofcharacteristics can define a baseline of acceptable service within apremises, while a second set of characteristics can define an enhancedor improved level of service for a particular geographic location withinthe premises from which a majority of the network access and/or aparticularly important portion of the network access is expected tooriginate. In an aspect, the first and second predefined signalcharacteristics can be retrieved from a service provider. In someaspects, a user can create and/or modify the first and/or secondpredefined signal characteristics retrieved from the service provider tobetter suit the user's particular premises. The network device canadjust one or more characteristics of a signal transmission until eachof the plurality of sensors meets the first predefined signalcharacteristics. The network device can further select a first sensor ofthe plurality of sensors, and can adjust one or more characteristics ofthe signal transmission until the first sensor meets the secondpredefined signal characteristics.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary system deployed at a premises;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a sample user interface for an exemplarysystem;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another example method; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, itis to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited tospecific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment orcombination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of preferred embodimentsand the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previousand following description.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods andsystems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the formof a computer program product on a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methodsand systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Anysuitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including harddisks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for adaptivecontrol of a wireless signal. Multiple sensors can be disposedgeographically in and/or around a premises (e.g., a dwelling, an officebuilding, a multi-dwelling unit, etc.). Each of the sensors can measuredata that characterizes a wireless local area network signal (e.g.,Wi-Fi) and report the measured data to a wireless communication device.As examples, the measured data can comprise one or more of a receivedsignal strength indicator (RSSI), a signal to noise ratio (SNR), a biterror rate or frame error rate of a test signal, and the like. Thewireless communication device can use the measured data from each of thesensors to characterize each geographic area in and/or around thepremises that comprises a sensor such that performance at each userspace meets or exceeds first predetermined criteria. In an aspect, thefirst predetermined criteria can comprise a lower bound for the RSSI, alower bound for the SNR, a lower bound for the bit error rate or frameerror rate, and the like. In another aspect, the first predeterminedcriteria can comprise quality of service characteristics (e.g., latency,jitter, out of order delivery, dropped packets, etc.). The firstpredetermined criteria can be established to help ensure that each ofthe wireless communication devices can provide a wireless signalsufficient for stable and relatively error-free communication to eachgeographic area in and/or around the premises in which a sensor has beenpositioned. For example, raising a signal strength may be insufficientto meet the predetermined criteria, if raising signal strength causesinterference. In an aspect, the wireless communication device can use arelatively low signal strength to achieve particular performance goals(e.g., matching the first and/or second predefined criteria).

In an aspect, the methods and systems can also be used to designate aprioritized area of the premises (e.g., a particular area within sensorrange of the one of the multiple sensors). The wireless communicationdevice can use beamforming (e.g., adjusting an amplitude and/or a phaseof each antenna in an antenna array of the transmitter) such that theprioritized area of the premises receives a signal that meets a secondset of predefined criteria. In an aspect, the particular one of themultiple sensors can be selected based on user input. The user input canbe received through an application that interfaces with the wirelesscommunication device from a user device. In another aspect, theparticular one of the multiple sensors can be selected by the wirelesscommunication device. As an example, the wireless communication devicecan operate using a time-based schedule to determine the particularsensor. For example, a user may have a typical daily routine in whichcommunication strength is desired in a first geographic location (e.g.,a child's playroom) during morning hours (e.g., 9:00 am until 12:00 pm),a second geographic location (e.g., a living room) during evening hours(e.g., from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm), and a third geographic location(e.g., a bedroom) during later hours (e.g., 11:00 pm until 1:00 am). Asanother example, wireless communication device can select the particularsensor based on proximity of a user device to the sensor. That is, auser may wish to have whatever sensor is nearest to his location in hishome be considered the prioritized area of the premises. The user device(e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.) can usea relatively short range connection such as a personal area network(e.g., Bluetooth) to connect to one or more of the plurality of sensors.The one or more sensors can be used to determine which sensor is nearestto the user device (e.g., based on signal strength), and the nearestsensor can be determined to be the prioritized sensor.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating various aspects of an exemplarysystem 100 in which the present methods and systems can operate. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that provided herein is a functionaldescription and that the respective functions can be performed bysoftware, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

The system 100 can comprise one or more network devices or wirelesscommunication devices 102, such as a wireless router, a wireless switch,or a wireless access point, in communication with a plurality of sensors104 a,b,c,d. In an aspect, each sensor 104 a,b,c,d can comprise apersonal computer, a router, or any other device that comprises at leasta wireless transceiver and a processor. In an aspect, the wirelesscommunication device 102 can transmit a wireless signal to one or moreof the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. In a first aspect, the one or more sensors104 a,b,c,d can retransmit the wireless signal back to the wirelesscommunication device 102 for analysis. In another aspect, the one ormore sensors 104 a,b,c,d can demodulate the wireless signal receivedfrom the wireless communication device 102, and can measure one or moreproperties related to the wireless signal received at the sensors 104a,b,c,d. For example, the sensors 104 a,b,c,d can measure a receivedsignal strength indicator (RSSI), a signal to noise ratio (SNR), channelinterference, frequency band interference, and the like. The sensors 104a,b,c,d can then transmit the measurements to the wireless communicationdevice 102. The sensors 104 a,b,c,d can be dispersed geographicallywithin a premises relative to the wireless communication device 102. Asan example, the sensors 104 a,b,c,d can be disposed in different roomsand/or on different floors of a premises, and the distance between eachof the sensors 104 a,b,c,d and the wireless communication device 102 canbe varied. The wireless communication device 102 can optionally be incommunication with a private and/or public network such as the Internetor a local area network.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device 102 can facilitate theconnection of a device, such as a user device, to a network. As afurther example, the wireless communication device 102 can be configuredas a wireless access point (WAP). In an aspect, the wirelesscommunication device 102 can be configured to allow one or more wirelessdevices to connect to a wired and/or wireless network using Wi-Fi,Bluetooth or any desired method or standard.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device 102 can be configured aspart of a local area network (LAN). As an example, the wirelesscommunication device 102 can comprise a dual band wireless access point.As an example, the wireless communication device 102 can comprise atransceiver 106, and can be configured with a first service setidentifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a public network) to functionas a local network for a particular user or users. As a further example,the wireless communication device 102 can be configured with a secondservice set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a private networkor a hidden network) to communicate with the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. In anaspect, the first SSID can represent a first wireless network, and thesecond SSID can represent a second wireless network, where the firstwireless network and second wireless network use different frequencies.As an example, when the first and second networks operate on the 2.4 GHzspectrum, the first network can broadcast at 2412 MHz and the secondnetwork can broadcast at 2437 MHz. This can advantageously allow forcommunication in both directions between the wireless communicationdevice 102 and the sensors 104 a,b,c,d without introducing extra channelinterference in the first network.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device 102 can comprise anidentifier 108. As an example, one or more identifiers can be or relateto an Internet Protocol (IP) Address (e.g., IPV4 or IPV6) or a contentaccess control address (e.g., MAC address) or the like. As a furtherexample, the identifier 108 can be a unique identifier for facilitatingcommunications on the physical network segment. As an example, theidentifier 108 can be associated with a physical location of thewireless communication device 102.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device 102 can comprise anantenna 105 for transmitting the wireless signal. In an aspect, theantenna 105 can comprise an array of antennas, such as a phased array.One example of a phased array is a Butler matrix. The phased array canbe adaptable and settable to changes based on measured properties of thewireless signal at the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. The phased array can be usedto alter a direction of the wireless signal relative to a face of thephased array so that relative phases of respective signals feeding eachantenna in the antenna array are set in such a way that an effectiveradiation pattern of the antenna array is reinforced in a desireddirection and/or suppressed in undesired directions.

Accordingly, adjusting power provided to the antenna 105 affects thepower of the wireless signal transmitted, but produces a networkfootprint having a similar shape. Information received from each sensor104 a,b,c,d can also be used to adjust transmission settings affectingdirectionality (e.g., signal amplitude, phase, and/or timing) for eachantenna within the phased array, allowing for manipulation of the shapeof the network footprint. As an example, the antenna 105 can comprise aphased array of antennas, and each antenna within the phased array canhave an associated transceiver 106. The wireless communication device102 can receive and interpret information coming from the plurality ofsensors 104 a,b,c,d to adjust individual settings for each transceiver106. The information received by the transceiver can comprisemeasurement results from one or more of the sensors 104 a,b,c to beprocessed within the wireless communication device. The processedinformation can produce one or more inputs which can be used toestablish appropriate individual settings for each transceiver 106 ofthe phased array. The array can form the desired far-field patternproviding a signal having signal characteristics that meet or exceedpredefined signal characteristics. One or more settings (e.g., signalamplitude, phase and/or timing, inputs to each element (e.g., eachantenna) within the phased array, and the like) can be adjusted toprovide a signal having the predefined signal characteristics to each ofthe plurality of sensors. Each of the transceivers 106 within the phasedarray can be adjusted to alter a footprint of the wireless signaltransmitted by the wireless communication device 102, thus changing oneor more properties (e.g., RSSI, SNR, bit error rate, and/or frame errorrate) of the wireless signal received at one or more of the sensors 104a,b,c,d.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device 102 can comprise aprocessor 110. The processor 110 can be capable of adjusting wirelesstransmission properties of the wireless communication device 102 toaffect the characteristics of the wireless signal. As examples, thewireless communication device 102 can adjust properties such as wirelesschannel, transmission strength, uplink quality of service, downlinkquality of service, and a service priority. In an aspect, the processor110 can be used to optimize the signal properties. In an aspect, one ormore of the sensor 104 a,b,c,d can transmit a wireless signal to thewireless communication device 102. The processor 110 can be used tointerpret the received wireless signal. For example, where the receivedwireless signal comprises a retransmission of a signal originally sentfrom the wireless communication device, the processor 110 can be used tomeasure one or more properties (e.g., RSSI, SNR, bit error rate, and/orframe error rate) of the received wireless signal. In another aspect,the received wireless signal can comprise the measured properties. Then,the processor 110 can be used to adjust one or more transmissionproperties of the wireless communication device 102 (e.g., signalamplitude, phase and/or timing, inputs to each element (e.g., eachtransceiver) within the phased array, etc.) such that the measuredproperties of the wireless signal transmitted from the wirelesscommunication device are modified at the one or more sensors 104a,b,c,d.

In an aspect, each of the sensors 104 a,b,c,d can connect to the firstservice set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a public network)to receive a transmitted wireless communication signal from the wirelesscommunication device 102 using a corresponding transceiver 112 a,b,c,d.As a further example, the transceiver 112 a,b,c,d can be configured toconnect to the second service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associatedwith the private network or the hidden network) to communicate directlywith the wireless communication device 102.

In another aspect, each of the sensors 104 a,b,c,d can connect to anSSID of the wireless communication device to receive a transmittedwireless signal using the transceiver 112 a,b,c,d. The transceiver 112a,b,c,d can also be configured to transmit information to the wirelesscommunication device 102 on the same SSID.

In an aspect, each sensor 104 a,b,c,d can comprise a processor 114a,b,c,d for measuring various properties and/or characteristics of thewireless communication signal transmitted by the wireless communicationdevice 102 and received through the first SSID. For example, theprocessor 114 a,b,c,d can measure properties such as a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI), a signal to noise ratio (SNR), channelinterference, frequency band interference, and the like. In an aspect, awireless communication device can transmit a particular predefinedmessage to each sensor, and each sensor can measure a bit error rateand/or a frame error rate based on a difference between a messagereceived at the sensor and the particular predefined message. Any signalproperties that can be gathered using the transceiver 112 a,b,c,d and anantenna can be measured using the processor 114 a,b,c,d. In anotheraspect, the sensors 104 a,b,c,d can retransmit the received wirelesscommunication signal such that it will be received and measured at thewireless communication device 102.

In an aspect, each sensor 104 a,b,c,d can comprise an identifier 116a,b,c,d. As an example, one or more identifiers can be or relate to anInternet Protocol (IP) Address (e.g., IPV4 or IPV6), a medium accesscontrol address (MAC address), or the like. As a further example, theidentifiers 116 a,b,c,d can be unique identifiers for facilitatingcommunications on a physical network segment. In an aspect, each sensor104 a,b,c,d can comprise a distinct identifier 116 a,b,c,d. As anexample, the identifiers 116 a,b,c,d can be associated with a physicallocation of the sensors 104 a,b,c,d.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device 102 can receive theinformation from the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. In an aspect, the wirelesscommunication device 102 can select a prioritized sensor from among thesensors 104 a,b,c,d. The wireless communication device can also retrievea set of predefined signal characteristics (e.g., from the contentprovider). The wireless communication device 102 can adjust one or moretransmission properties such that the wireless communication signal fromthe wireless transmission meets or exceeds the set of predefined signalcharacteristics when measured at the prioritized sensor. For example,the wireless communication signal can be adjusted based on a differencebetween the information (e.g., measured data from the prioritizedsensor) and the set of predefined signal characteristics, such that themeasured data at the prioritized sensor meets or exceeds the set ofpredefined signal characteristics.

In an aspect, the prioritized sensor can be selected based on userinput. For example, a user can interface with the wireless communicationdevice 102 via a web browser, a standalone application, or othersoftware developed to allow communication with the network device. In anaspect, the user can access the wireless communication device 102 usingsoftware implemented on a set top box or a smart device, such as a smartTV, smartphone, or the like. The user can select a particular sensorfrom a list of all sensors 104 a,b,c,d in communication with thewireless communication device 102. In an aspect, each sensor 104 can beidentified in the list based on the corresponding identifier 116. Inanother aspect, the user can select a particular room within thepremises and the wireless communication device 102 can select a sensorbased on the sensor proximity to the selected location.

In another aspect, the prioritized sensor can be selected automaticallyby the wireless communication device 102. For example, the wirelesscommunication device 102 can select the prioritized sensor based on apredefined schedule. As an example, the wireless communication device102 can operate using a time-based schedule to determine the particularsensor. For example, a user can have a typical daily routine in whichcommunication strength is desired in a first geographic location (e.g.,a child's playroom) during morning hours (e.g., 9:00 am until 12:00 pm),a second geographic location (e.g., a living room) during evening hours(e.g., from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm), and a third geographic location(e.g., a bedroom) during later hours (e.g., 11:00 pm until 1:00 am). Thewireless communication device 102 can select a prioritized sensor fromamong the sensors 104 a,b,c,d to complement the schedule. In anotheraspect, the prioritized sensor can be selected based on proximity to auser device, such as a smartphone or tablet. As an example, a user maywish to have whatever sensor 104 a,b,c,d is nearest to his location inhis home be considered the prioritized sensor. The user device (e.g., asmartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.) can use arelatively short range connection such as a personal area network (e.g.,Bluetooth) to connect to one or more of the plurality of sensors. Theone or more sensors 104 a,b,c,d can be used to determine which sensor isnearest to the user device (e.g., based on signal strength), and thenearest sensor can be determined to be the prioritized sensor. Inanother aspect, the wireless communication device 102 can automaticallyselect a prioritized sensor based on a time of day, historical usagepatterns of the user, and/or geographic proximity of the user to any oneof the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. For example, the wireless communicationdevice 102 can retain historical information related to usage patternsof the wireless communication device 102. For example, the historicalinformation can comprise a timetable indicating which of the sensors 104a,b,c,d is selected as the prioritized sensor at each time of day. Thewireless communication device 102 can receive indications from the oneor more sensors 104 a,b,c,d indicating proximity to a user device (e.g.,a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.) associatedwith the user. The sensors 104 can use a relatively short rangeconnection such as a personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth) to connectto one or more of the plurality of sensors. The one or more sensors canbe used to determine which sensor is nearest to the user device (e.g.,based on signal strength), and the nearest sensor can be determined. Inan aspect, a prioritized sensor can then be determined based on one ormore of the historical information and the determined nearest sensor.

In another aspect, the wireless communication device 102 can receive theinformation (e.g., the measured data) from the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. Thewireless communication device 102 can adjust one or more characteristicsof a signal transmission until the measured data from each of theplurality of sensors 104 a,b,c,d meet predefined signal characteristics.In an aspect, the wireless communication device 102 can use theprocessor 110 to alter the characteristics of the signal transmissionbased on the received information. For example, the processor 110 canrely on RSSI, SNR, and bit error rate to adjust the characteristics ofthe signal transmission. In an aspect adjusting the one or morecharacteristics of the signal transmission can comprise adjusting one ormore of a signal strength and a transmission channel. Optionally, thewireless communication device 102 can adjust a directionality of thesignal relative to a face of an antenna (e.g., the antenna 105). In anaspect, beamforming techniques can comprise adjustments to thedirectionality of the signal, such as adjustments to an amplitude and/ora phase of each signal sent to a phased array of antennas fortransmission, so that the signals from the phased array experienceconstructive interference in one or more desired directions.

FIG. 2 shows an example system 200 deployed at a premises. In someaspects, a system can also be deployed among a plurality (e.g., a groupor groups) of premises. The system 200 includes a wireless communicationdevice 102 and four sensors 104 a,b,c,d disposed at geographicallydistinct locations throughout the premises (e.g., the sensors 104a,b,c,d can be deployed in four separate rooms of the premises). Forexample, the wireless communication device 102 can be deployed in a roomR1 of the premises, the sensor 104 a can be deployed in room R3, thesensor 104 b can be deployed in room R4, the sensor 104 c can bedeployed in room R1, and the sensor 104 d can be deployed in room R2. Inan aspect, each of the sensors 104 a,b,c,d can be associated with one ofthe geographic locations (e.g., rooms) of the premises. For example,sensor 104 a can be associated with room R3, sensor 104 b can beassociated with room R4, sensor 104 c can be associated with rom R1, andsensor 104 d can be associated with room R2. The wireless communicationdevice 102 can transmit a wireless signal to enable, support, or createa wireless network having a footprint A. In an aspect, the footprint Areflects that the wireless signal transmitted by the wirelesscommunication device 102 does not provide coverage for the entire roomR4 (e.g., signal quality is not such that it meets or exceeds predefinedsignal characteristics at sensor 104 b).

In an aspect, the wireless communication device 102 can receiveinformation from the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. The received information cancomprise measured data indicating measured properties at each of thesensors 104 a,b,c,d such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI),a signal to noise ratio (SNR), channel interference, frequency bandinterference, and the like. The wireless communication device 102 canadjust one or more characteristics of a signal transmission until themeasured data from each of the plurality of sensors 104 a,b,c,d meet thepredefined signal characteristics. In an aspect, the wirelesscommunication device 102 can use a processor 110 to alter thecharacteristics of the signal transmission based on the receivedinformation from each of the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. For example, theprocessor 110 can rely on RSSI, SNR, and bit error rate to adjust thecharacteristics of the signal transmission. In an aspect, adjusting theone or more characteristics of the signal transmission can compriseadjusting one or more of a signal strength and a transmission channel.Optionally, the wireless communication device 102 can adjust adirectionality of the signal relative to a face of an antenna (e.g., theantenna 105). In an aspect, beamforming techniques can compriseadjustments to the directionality of the signal, such as adjustments toan amplitude and/or a phase of each signal sent to a phased array ofantennas for transmission so that the signals from the phased arrayexperience constructive interference in one or more desired directions.For example, the characteristics of the signal transmission can beadjusted such that the wireless communication device 102 can transmit awireless signal to enable, support, or create a wireless network havinga modified footprint A′. Adjusting the characteristics of signaltransmission can comprise adjusting a directionality such that themodified network footprint A′ extends further in the direction of sensor104 b.

FIG. 3 shows an interface 300 for allowing user selection of aprioritized sensor. In an aspect, a user can interface with a wirelesscommunication device (e.g., the wireless communication device 102) via aweb browser, a standalone application, or other software developed toallow communication with the network device. In an aspect, the user canaccess the wireless communication device 102 using software implementedon, for example, a set top box or a smart device such as a smart TV,smartphone, or the like. The interface 300 can comprise a list 302showing the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. The list can comprise sensoridentifying information (e.g., a MAC address) and/or a user-defined namefor each sensor. In an aspect, the user can be prompted to define a namefor the sensor based on its location in/around the premises (e.g.,“Living Room,” “Master Bedroom,” etc.). In some aspects, differentsensors can be associated with different premises. In an aspect, a usercan select one of the sensors 104 a,b,c,d from the list 302, and theselected sensor can be determined to be the prioritized sensor. WhileFIG. 3 shows a list 302 that comprises sensors disposed atgeographically distinct locations within a premises, sensors can also beassociated with different premises (e.g., user dwelling 1, user dwelling2, etc.).

In another aspect, the interface 300 can comprise a button 304indicating that the prioritized sensor should be determinedautomatically based on a user device location. In an aspect, a userdevice (e.g., a smartphone or tablet computer) can be designated. Forexample, the user device can be designated through a pairing (e.g., aBluetooth pairing process). In an aspect, when the user selects thebutton 304, the prioritized device can be selected based on a proximityto the designated user device. As an example, the designated user devicecan use a relatively short range connection such as a personal areanetwork (e.g., Bluetooth) to connect to one or more of the plurality ofsensors. The one or more sensors can be used to determine which sensoris nearest to the user device (e.g., based on signal strength), and thenearest sensor can be determined to be the prioritized sensor.

In another aspect, the interface 300 can comprise a timeline 306. Thetimeline 306 can comprise time organized into blocks (e.g., hour blocksof time) and a sensor from among the plurality of sensors to bedesignated as the prioritized sensor during the time block stored as atime-sensor pair. In an aspect, the wireless communication device cancomprise a system clock, and can select a prioritized sensor based onthe time indicated by the system clock and the time-sensor pairs.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary method 400. At step 402, a network device canreceive a plurality of signal characteristic measurements from each of aplurality of sensors. In some aspects, a single sensor system can alsobe deployed. In an aspect, the network device can comprise the wirelesscommunication device 102. In an aspect, the plurality of sensors cancomprise the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. In an aspect, the plurality of sensorscan be disposed at and associated with geographically distinctlocations. For example, the sensors can be disposed in different roomsand/or on different floors in a house, in different rooms of an officebuilding, etc. In some aspects, the sensors can further be associatedwith the rooms and/or floors at which they are disposed. In someaspects, each of the geographically distinct locations can be distinctlocations within a single premises. In other aspects, each of thegeographically distinct locations can comprise distinct premises, andeach of the distinct premises can include a network device and one ormore sensors. In an aspect, each of the plurality of sensors receivesone or more signals from the network device and can measure signalcharacteristics. For example, the plurality of sensors can measuresignal characteristics including one or more of a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI), a signal to noise ratio (SNR), a bit errorrate, and a frame error rate. In an aspect, the sensors can also measuremain channel performance, properties of the channel being utilized, andproperties of adjacent channels in order to factor in potentialinterference considerations from other transmitters so that the networkdevice can select an operating frequency for improved overallperformance. In an aspect, one or more of the plurality of sensors 104a,b,c,d can transmit information to the network device. The informationcan comprise, for example, the measured signal characteristics

At step 404, the network device can determine a prioritized sensor fromamong the plurality of sensors. In some aspects, determining theprioritized sensor can comprise selecting a sensor from among theplurality of sensors as the prioritized sensor. In other aspects,determining the prioritized sensor can comprise ranking each of thesensors relative to one another according to a priority according to auser, and selecting a sensor ranked as having the highest relativepriority. In an aspect, the prioritized sensor can be selected based onuser input. For example, a user can interface with the network devicevia a web browser, a standalone application, or other software developedto allow communication with the network device. The user can select aparticular sensor from a list of all sensors in communication with thewireless communication device to be a highest priority sensor. In someaspects, the user can continue to select sensors from the list toidentify additional sensors in the sensor priority ranking. In anaspect, each sensor 104 can be identified in the list based on thecorresponding identifier 116. In another aspect, the user can select aparticular room within the premises and the network device can select asensor based on sensor proximity to the selected location.

In another aspect, the prioritized sensor can be determinedautomatically by the network device. For example, the network device canselect the prioritized sensor based on a predefined schedule. As anexample, the network device can operate using a time-based schedule todetermine the particular sensor. For example, for a system deployed in auser's premises, a user can have a typical daily routine in whichcommunication strength is desired in a first geographic location (e.g.,a child's playroom) during morning hours (e.g., 9:00 am until 12:00 pm),a second geographic location (e.g., a living room) during evening hours(e.g., from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm), and a third geographic location(e.g., a bedroom) during later hours (e.g., 11:00 pm until 1:00 am).Accordingly, the user can create a schedule including informationregarding particular times a particular one of the plurality of sensorsis to be determined to be the prioritized sensor. The network device canselect a prioritized sensor from among the sensors according to theschedule. In another aspect, the prioritized sensor can be determinedbased on proximity to a user device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Asan example, a user may wish to have whichever sensor is nearest to hislocation in his home be considered the prioritized sensor. The userdevice (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.)can use a relatively short range connection such as a personal areanetwork (e.g., Bluetooth) to connect to one or more of the plurality ofsensors. The one or more sensors can be used to determine which sensoris nearest to the user device (e.g., based on signal strength), and thenearest sensor can be determined to be the prioritized sensor. In otheraspects, the prioritized sensor can be selected based on one or more ofhistorical usage patterns, user geographical patterns within thepremises, or current user location within the premises. For example, auser device, such as a mobile phone, can be tracked within a premises,and a sensor nearest to the phone can be prioritized. As a particularexample, the network device can retain historical information related tousage patterns of the network device. For example, the historicalinformation can comprise a timetable indicating which of the sensors 104a,b,c,d is determined to be the prioritized sensor at each time of day.The wireless communication device 102 can receive indications from theone or more sensors 104 a,b,c,d indicating proximity to a user device(e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.)associated with the user. The sensors 104 can use a relatively shortrange connection such as a personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth) toconnect to one or more of the plurality of sensors. The one or moresensors can be used to determine which sensor is nearest to the userdevice (e.g., based on signal strength), and the nearest sensor can bedetermined. In an aspect, a prioritized sensor can then be determinedbased on one or more of the historical information and the determinednearest sensor.

At step 406, the network device can compare the received signalcharacteristic measurements from the prioritized sensor to a set ofpredefined signal characteristics. In an aspect, the predefined signalcharacteristics can comprise one or more of RSSI, SNR, bit error rate,and frame error rate. In an aspect, the predefined signalcharacteristics can be selected to enhance one or more of stability,signal strength, signal clarity, etc. For example, the predefined signalcharacteristics can be selected to provide an optimal or substantiallyoptimal signal transmission to the prioritized sensor. In an aspect, thepredefined signal characteristics can be retrieved from a contentprovider. The predefined signal characteristics can represent desiredranges for the signal characteristics (e.g., the RSSI, the SNR, the biterror rate, and the frame error rate) measured at the prioritizedsensor. The predefined signal characteristics can represent values ofthe signal characteristics that should be measured at a location toprovide a consistent and relatively error-free wireless signal at alocation within a premises. In an aspect the predefined characteristicscan be compared to the signal characteristics measured at theprioritized sensor and transmitted to the network device. For example,the comparison can be a simple numeric comparison to determine whetherthe characteristic measurements from the prioritized sensor meet orexceed the predefined characteristics.

At step 408, the network device can adjust one or more transmissioncharacteristics of the network device based on a difference between thereceived characteristic measurement from the prioritized sensor and theset of predefined signal characteristics. In an aspect, the differencebetween the received characteristic measurement from the prioritizedsensor and the set of predefined signal characteristics can bedetermined by subtracting a value of a received characteristic from avalue of the predefined characteristic. In an aspect, the network devicecan alter transmission characteristics of the network device based onthe received characteristic measurements. For example, the networkdevice can rely on RSSI, SNR, and bit error rate to adjust transmissioncharacteristics. In an aspect adjusting the one or more transmissioncharacteristics can comprise adjusting one or more of a signal strength,a transmission channel, and a directionality of the signal relative to aface of an antenna (e.g., the antenna 105) associated with theprioritized sensor. For example, the network device can use beamformingtechniques to direct the signal to the particular sensor. In an aspect,beamforming techniques can comprise adjustments to the directionality ofthe signal, such as adjustments to an amplitude and/or a phase of eachsignal sent to a phased array of antennas for transmission, such thatthe interference pattern created by the phased array createsconstructive interference to improve signal transmission in a directionof the prioritized sensor. In an aspect, the network device can be usedto set individual inputs for one or more transceivers (e.g., thetransceiver 106) within a phased antenna array to adjust the beamformingproperties of the transmission. These adjustments can form a desired farfield pattern that can produce desired measured results from theprioritized sensor. In some aspects, the adjusted signal characteristicscan be associated with an improved signal at the geographic locationassociated with the prioritized sensor. In some aspects, adjusting thesignal characteristics can comprise causing a network device at apremises to adjust one or more signal characteristics. As a result, onepremises can have signal characteristics that are different from signalcharacteristics at another premises.

In some aspects, the method 400 can optionally be repeated (e.g.,continuously, periodically, intermittently, etc.) to receive new signalcharacteristic measurements and/or to determine a new sensor priorityranking of the plurality of sensors. The one or more transmissioncharacteristics can then be re-adjusted based on new signalcharacteristic measurements and/or the new sensor priority ranking.

FIG. 5 shows another exemplary method 500. At step 502, a network devicecan receive a plurality of measurements (e.g., signal characteristicmeasurements) from each of a plurality of sensors. In some aspects, asingle sensor system can also be deployed. In an aspect, the networkdevice can comprise the wireless communication device 102. In an aspect,the plurality of sensors can comprise the sensors 104 a,b,c,d. In anaspect, the plurality of sensors can be disposed at geographicallydistinct locations throughout premises. For example, the sensors can bedisposed in different rooms and/or on different floors in a house, indifferent rooms of an office building, etc. In an aspect, each of theplurality of sensors can measure signal characteristics. For example,the plurality of sensors can measure signal characteristics includingone or more of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a signal tonoise ratio (SNR), a bit error rate, and a frame error rate. In anaspect, the plurality of sensors can measure signal characteristics on achannel in use and also on adjacent channels to report spectrumutilization back to the network device. In an aspect, one or more of theplurality of sensors 104 a,b,c,d can transmit information to the networkdevice. The information can comprise, for example, the measured signalcharacteristics.

At step 504, the network device can determine a sensor priority rankingof the plurality of sensors. In some aspects, the sensor priorityranking can be determined based on one or more inputs from a user. Forexample, a user can interface with the network device and provide one ormore inputs via a web browser, a standalone application, or othersoftware developed to allow communication with the network device. Theuser can determine a sensor priority ranking using a list of all sensorsin communication with the network device. In an aspect, each sensor 104can be identified in the list based on the corresponding identifier 116.In another aspect, the user can select a particular room within thepremises and the network device can determine a sensor priority rankingof the plurality of sensors based on sensor proximity to the selectedlocation. In other aspects, the sensor priority ranking can bedetermined based on a timetable accessible to the network device. Forexample, the network device can determine a sensor priority rankingbased on a predefined schedule. As an example, the network device canoperate using a time-based schedule to determine the sensor priorityranking. For example, a user can have a typical daily routine in whichcommunication strength is desired in a first geographic location (e.g.,a child's playroom) during morning hours (e.g., 9:00 am until 12:00 pm),a second geographic location (e.g., a living room) during evening hours(e.g., from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm), and a third geographic location(e.g., a bedroom) during later hours (e.g., 11:00 pm until 1:00 am).Accordingly, the user can create a schedule including informationregarding particular times a particular one of the plurality of sensorsis important to the user, and a sensor priority ranking can bedetermined at one or more times based on the schedule. In still anotheraspect, the sensor priority ranking can be determined based on proximityto a user device, such as a smartphone or tablet. As an example, a usermay wish to prioritize sensors based on a distance between a location ofthe user device in a home and each of the sensors. The user device(e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.) can usea relatively short range connection such as a personal area network(e.g., Bluetooth) to connect to one or more of the plurality of sensors.The network device can determine a priority ranking of the sensors basedon which sensors are nearest to the user device (e.g., based on signalstrength), such that the nearest sensor is determined to be thehighest-priority sensor.

In other aspects, the sensor priority ranking can be determined based onthe user's desired utilization habits, historical information managed bythe network device (e.g., past utilization habits), and the like. As aparticular example, the network device can retain historical informationrelated to usage patterns of the network device. For example, thehistorical information can comprise a timetable indicating which of thesensors 104 a,b,c,d is selected as the prioritized sensor at each timeof day. The network device can receive indications from the one or moresensors 104 a,b,c,d indicating proximity to a user device (e.g., asmartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.) associated withthe user. The sensors 104 can use a relatively short range connectionsuch as a personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth) to connect to one ormore of the plurality of sensors. The one or more sensors can be used todetermine which sensor is nearest to the user device (e.g., based onsignal strength), and the nearest sensor can be determined. In anaspect, the sensor priority ranking can then be determined based on oneor more of the historical information and the determined nearest sensor.

At step 506, the network device can select a first sensor of theplurality of sensors based on the sensor priority ranking determined instep 504. In an aspect, the first sensor can be a sensor determined tobe a highest-priority sensor from among the plurality of sensors basedon the sensor priority ranking. At step 508, the network device canselect a second sensor of the plurality of sensors based on the sensorpriority ranking determined in step 504. In an aspect, the second sensorcan be distinct from the first sensor. In some aspects, the first sensorcan be determined to have a higher priority ranking than the secondsensor, based on the sensor priority ranking.

At step 510, the network device can adjust one or more characteristicsof a signal transmission at the network device until the measurementsfrom the first sensor (e.g., the signal characteristic measurements)meet first predefined signal characteristics. In an aspect, the networkdevice can adjust transmission characteristics of the network devicebased on the received characteristic measurements from the one or moresensors. For example, the network device can rely on RSSI, SNR, and biterror rate to adjust transmission characteristics. In an aspectadjusting the one or more transmission characteristics can compriseadjusting one or more of a signal strength, a transmission channel.Optionally, the network device can also adjust a directionality of thesignal relative to a face of an antenna (e.g., the antenna 105). In anaspect, beamforming techniques can comprise adjustments to thedirectionality of the signal, such as adjustments to an amplitude and/ora phase of each signal sent to a phased array of antennas fortransmission, so that the signals from the phased array experienceconstructive interference in one or more desired directions.

In an aspect, the first predefined signal characteristics can bedetermined by retrieving the characteristics from a repository storedat, for example, a content provider. In an aspect, the first predefinedsignal characteristics can be selected to enhance one or more ofstability, signal strength, signal clarity, etc. relative to one or moreother sensors. For example, the first predefined signal characteristicscan be selected to provide an optimal or substantially optimal signaltransmission. The first predefined signal characteristics can representdesired ranges for the signal characteristics (e.g., the RSSI, the SNR,the bit error rate, and the frame error rate.) measured at one or moreof the sensors.

At step 512, the network device can adjust the one or morecharacteristics of the signal transmission at the network device untilthe measurements (e.g., the signal characteristic measurements) receivedfrom the second sensor meet second predefined signal characteristics. Inan aspect, the network device can adjust the characteristics of signaltransmission of the network device based on the received characteristicmeasurements from the first device. For example, the network device canrely on RSSI, SNR, and bit error rate from the first sensor to adjusttransmission characteristics. In an aspect the network device can adjustsettings for one or more transceivers (e.g., the transceiver 106) thatwould adjust the one or more transmission characteristics. The settingscan comprise adjustments to one or more of a signal strength, atransmission channel, and a directionality of the signal relative to aface of an antenna (e.g., the antenna 105) in a direction associatedwith the first sensor. For example, the network device can usebeamforming techniques to form a desired far field pattern that canproduce desired measured results from the first sensor. In an aspect,beamforming techniques can comprise adjustments to the directionality ofthe signal, such as adjustments to an amplitude and/or a phase of eachsignal sent to a phased array of antennas for transmission, such thatthe interference pattern created by the phased array createsconstructive interference to improve signal transmission in a directionof the first sensor. In an aspect, the transmission characteristics ofthe network device can be adjust such that the signal measured at thefirst sensor meets the second predefined signal characteristics, whilethe signal measured at all other sensors of the plurality of sensorsmeet the first predefined signal characteristics.

In an aspect, the second predefined signal characteristics can bedetermined by retrieving the characteristics from a repository storedat, for example, a content provider. In an aspect, the second predefinedsignal characteristics can be selected such that the second sensorreceiving a signal having the second predefined signal characteristicswould be able to continuously use the signal. For example, the secondpredefined characteristics can create a “baseline” of usability. In anaspect, the second predefined signal characteristics can be weaker inone or more of aspects when compared to the first predefined signalcharacteristics. The second predefined signal characteristics canrepresent desired ranges for the signal characteristics (e.g., the RSSI,the SNR, the bit error rate, and the frame error rate.) measured at oneor more of the sensors.

FIG. 6 shows another exemplary method 600. In step 602, a network devicecan receive a plurality of measurements (e.g., signal characteristicmeasurements) from each of a first sensor and a second sensor. In anaspect, the network device can comprise the wireless communicationdevice 102. In an aspect, the first and second sensors can each comprisea sensor 104. In an aspect, the network device can be controlled by acontent and/or service provider. In an aspect, the first sensor can bedisposed at a first premises and the second sensor can be disposed at asecond (e.g., geographically distinct) premises. For example, the firstsensor can be disposed at a first user dwelling and the second sensorcan be disposed at a second user dwelling. In other aspects the firstand/or second premises can be a business, a public location, etc. Insome aspects, first premises and the second premises can be associatedwith a single user. In other aspects, the first premises and the secondpremises can be associated with different users (e.g., the firstpremises can be associated with a first user and the second premises canbe associated with a second user),In an aspect, each of the first sensorand the second sensor can measure signal characteristics. For example,the first and second sensors can measure signal characteristicsincluding one or more of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), asignal to noise ratio (SNR), a bit error rate, and a frame error rate.In an aspect, the first and second sensors can measure signalcharacteristics on a channel in use and also on adjacent channels toreport spectrum utilization back to the network device. In an aspect,one or more of the first second sensors can transmit information to thenetwork device. The information can comprise, for example, the measuredsignal characteristics.

In step 604, the network device can receive an indication that the firstsensor is a prioritized sensor. In an aspect, the indication that thefirst sensor is the prioritized sensor can be received from a content orservice provider. For example, the content and/or service provider canbe a third part content provider. In some aspects the prioritized sensorcan comprise a single sensor that is to be prioritized higher than othersensors (e.g., the second sensor). In an aspect, the first sensor can beindicated to be the prioritized sensor based on one or more of atime-based schedule (e.g., businesses are prioritized during the day,residences are prioritized in the evening), a number of devicesconnecting at a location (e.g., a public location can be prioritizedwhen a large number of people are present at the location and trying toaccess the network), historical information (e.g., historical usagehabits among the plural premises, combinations thereof, and/or othercriteria.

At step 606, the network device can adjust one or more transmissioncharacteristics of the network device based on a difference between thereceived characteristic measurement from the prioritized sensor and aset of predefined signal characteristics. In an aspect, the differencebetween the received characteristic measurement from the prioritizedsensor and the set of predefined signal characteristics can bedetermined by subtracting a value of a received characteristic from avalue of the predefined characteristic. In an aspect, the network devicecan adjust the one or more transmission characteristics until thereceived measurements from the preferred sensor meet the set ofpredefined signal characteristics. In an aspect, the network device canalter transmission characteristics of the network device based on thereceived characteristic measurements. For example, the network devicecan rely on RSSI, SNR, and bit error rate to adjust transmissioncharacteristics. In an aspect adjusting the one or more transmissioncharacteristics can comprise adjusting one or more of a signal strength,a transmission channel, and a directionality of the signal relative to aface of an antenna (e.g., the antenna 105) associated with theprioritized sensor. For example, the network device can use beamformingtechniques to direct the signal to the prioritized sensor (and thus thepremises at which the prioritized sensor is located). In an aspect,beamforming techniques can comprise adjustments to the directionality ofthe signal, such as adjustments to an amplitude and/or a phase of eachsignal sent to a phased array of antennas for transmission, such thatthe interference pattern created by the phased array createsconstructive interference to improve signal transmission in a directionof the prioritized sensor. In an aspect, the network device can be usedto set individual inputs for one or more transceivers (e.g., thetransceiver 106) within a phased antenna array to adjust the beamformingproperties of the transmission. These adjustments can form a desired farfield pattern that can produce desired measured results from theprioritized sensor.

In an aspect, the predefined signal characteristics can comprise one ormore of RSSI, SNR, bit error rate, and frame error rate. In an aspect,the predefined signal characteristics can be selected to enhance one ormore of stability, signal strength, signal clarity, etc. For example,the predefined signal characteristics can be selected to provide anoptimal or substantially optimal signal transmission to the prioritizedsensor. In an aspect, the predefined signal characteristics can beretrieved from a content provider. The predefined signal characteristicscan represent desired ranges for the signal characteristics (e.g., theRSSI, the SNR, the bit error rate, and the frame error rate) measured atthe prioritized sensor. The predefined signal characteristics canrepresent values of the signal characteristics that should be measuredat a premises to provide a consistent and relatively error-free wirelesssignal at the premises. In an aspect the predefined characteristics canbe compared to the signal characteristics measured at the prioritizedsensor and transmitted to the network device. For example, thecomparison can be a simple numeric comparison to determine whether thecharacteristic measurements from the prioritized sensor meet or exceedthe predefined characteristics.

In some aspects, adjusting the one or more transmission characteristicscan further comprise adjusting bandwidth allocated to the premisesassociated with the preferred sensor (e.g., the first premises). Forexample, when it is determined that the bandwidth allocation for thepremises associated with the preferred sensor is too low, the bandwidthallocation can be increased. In some aspects, increasing the bandwidthallocated to the premises associated with the preferred sensor canfurther comprise reducing bandwidth to one or more premises notassociated with the preferred sensor. In an aspect, adjusting thebandwidth allocated to the premises associated with the preferred sensorcan be performed based on, for example, an indication from the contentand/or service provider.

In some aspects, the method 600 can optionally be repeated (e.g.,continuously, periodically, etc.) to receive new signal characteristicmeasurements and/or a new indication of the prioritized sensor. The oneor more transmission characteristics can then be re-adjusted based onnew signal characteristic measurements and/or the new indication of theprioritized sensor.

While the methods and systems have been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intendedthat an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

1. A method comprising: receiving, at a network device, a plurality ofsignal characteristic measurements from each of a plurality of sensorsdisposed at and associated with geographically distinct locationsthroughout a premises, wherein each of the plurality of sensors measuressignal characteristics; determining a prioritized sensor among theplurality of sensors; comparing a signal characteristic measurement fromthe prioritized sensor to a set of predefined signal characteristics;and adjusting one or more transmission characteristics of the networkdevice based on a difference between the signal characteristicmeasurement from the prioritized sensor and the set of predefined signalcharacteristics, such that a signal provided to a location associatedwith the prioritized sensor is altered relative to a signal provided toanother of the plurality of sensors.